When you attend the Pig Iron Fest & Car Show, not only will you enjoy a day of family fun, but you'll also be giving a nod to the region's history.

"Many may not know, but 'pig iron' refers to the cast-iron ingots produced by the Marietta iron furnaces in the 19th century," explained Marcus Snow, president of the Donegal Area Rotary Club, which is hosting the event. "Molten iron was poured into ingot molds, which branched off of a central vein of iron. The ingots looked like little piglets feeding off of the mother pig, and so the nickname 'pig iron' took hold. The early iron industry built Marietta, and the fest honors that history."

The Pig Iron Fest & Car Show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Community Bible Church, 331 Anderson Ferry Road, Marietta. The car show is open to a wide variety of cars, Snow said, as well as motorcycles and trucks. "Most cars are classic or modified, but we have seen an uptick in newer vehicles and bikes." The festival will feature food vendors, live music from Tim Rinard and Heath Hardin, giveaways and a kid zone. "The kid zone will include pumpkin decorating, games and a hayride," Snow commented.

This is a new venue for the annual event, which was held for many years at the park along Furnace Road in Marietta, next to the Musselman-Vesta Iron Furnace Center. "The park was redeveloped for the Northwest River Trail, and while the improvements are lovely, they prevent the area from being used for events," Snow explained. "Simply put, the large, open spaces needed for larger events are no longer there. A move was needed to accommodate the fest's space needs."

The move will not dampen the event's spirit or its focus on history, Snow said. "Even though we are separated from the furnace ruins, Rivertownes will provide a display of the furnace area along with historic photos from old Marietta," he stated. "The Vesta building and the ruins will be open for tours throughout the day, and visitors are encouraged to visit the ruins."

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund projects of the Donegal Area Rotary Club, including supporting local food banks, the historic furnace site, local emergency services and youth leadership programs at Donegal High School.

Snow encourages everyone to come out for the Pig Iron Fest & Car Show, noting that it promises to be a fun and memorable day. "(It's an) amazing, family-oriented event where everyone leaves happy," he stated. "Cars, hayrides, food, music, history - a perfect day."

For more information on the event, visit http://www.donegalrotary.com. Advance registration is available for the car show for a discount, but registration will also be available at the show.